Longtime Findlay law director to retire

FINDLAY — Findlay's longtime law director Don Rasmussen is retiring after a career of 40-plus years working for the city. Rasmussen submitted his resignation at Findlay City Council's regular meeting on Tuesday, effective Jan. 12. Rasmussen earned both his undergraduate and juris doctorate degrees from Ohio Northern University. His career began in 1984 when he served as assistant prosecuting attorney and assistant law director for the city of Findlay under Law Director David Hackenberg. During this time, he was also a partner in the law firm Hackenberg, Beutler, Rasmussen & Feighner LLC. In his letter of resignation, Rasmussen wrote, "I have been practicing law for over 40 years and the time is right for me to spend more time with family and friends. It has been a wonderful experience representing the city of Findlay and I wish the city the best as it continues to grow." Rasmussen was first elected as Findlay's law director in 2012. His current term expires on Dec. 31, 2027. In addition to his work for the city of Findlay, Rasmussen has served as the village solicitor for several surrounding communities including Arlington, Mount Blanchard, Mount Cory and Vanlue. He has been an active member of the American Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association and the Findlay-Hancock County Bar Association. On Tuesday, Mayor Christina Muryn said she will appoint Robert Feighner Jr., assistant city law director, to the position until an appointment is made by the Hancock County Republican Party. The unexpired term will then appear on the November ballot, with the newly-elected law director taking office on Jan. 1, 2026. Muryn said city officials have worked with Feighner for several years, and she hopes the Republican Party will follow suit and appoint Feighner to the post. Feighner also has Rasmussen's endorsement. At the Dec. 6 meeting of city council, Rasmussen described preparing Feighner for the role. Members of the Republican Party's Central Committee, who reside within the city of Findlay, must meet to make the appointment no earlier than five days and no later than 45 days after Rasmussen leaves office. Findlay's law director acts as the primary legal advisor to the city government and represents the city's elected officials, administrative officials and employees in matters related to city business. The law director drafts and reviews legislation, governmental policies and procedures, as well as a variety of other city documents, and oversees an office of four city prosecutors/assistant law directors.